Welcome To 20BLK Jack

I Cant Stop This Feeling     Deep Inside Of Me     Girl, You Just Don't Realize     What You Do To Me      When You Hold Me In Your Arms So Tight       You Let Me Know Everything Is Alright       I Am Hooked On A Feeling       I'm High On Believing        That Your In Love With Me 

Mark James 1968

Blue Swede

DECEMBERS NUMBERS:

Activities - 20

Hours - 37 

Miles - 443 / 712.93km

PR's - 6

Snowshoeing - 6.7mi / 10.78km

X-MAS:

One of the best Christmas Days in many damn moons?? Quite possibly the best day in decades if I remove the fact that I truly STILL miss walking The Boy Dog at sunrise on Christmas mornings. This "best" statement is totally debatable as my steel cage memory is most indestructible nowadays. Sure 

This particular morning of 12/25/2020 was well spent enjoying, tentatively intensively watching, and being apart of my Grand Nephew and Grand Niece ripping open there gifts. Both kids were in great moods, at the perfect age for the holidays, and NO melt downs all morning. When the booze came out after breakfast, I made the veteran move and ducked out. I still had chores on the list, meal fixings, and not looking for a 1pm nap.

The above photo was sent to me and I loved it. Tooting my own horn here, I have nailed Labor Day, Halloween, Turkey Day, and Christmas Day Dinners!! I prepared a three bone prime rib to perfection and damn proud of it for a Christmas Feast. If you are not vegan, this was mouth watering, tender, and ideally spiced to the wondering palate of excellence. And Yes, those are cloves are garlic that I inserted before roasting away. Hot Damn 

And to top off the night, pedaling around town, checking out Christmas Lights. Yes, it was cold as all get out but so worthy of an adventurous outing. And maybe, just maybe, my belly was full of holiday spirits, propelling myself through the neighborhood streets. You know, conquering the mean streets of GJ. 

PERSONAL DISCOVERY:

Finished my house sitting gig yesterday and I took that opportunity of down time while house sitting to read over a few of my old personal growth books. I relaxed into the couch while reflecting, pondering, and evaluating my situations. The reoccurring theme was the only limitation is my willingness to put in the work. 

And that of course opened me up to the "best" Christmas. I felt so grounded and very present leading up to the holidays. Then, the revelation hit, at my age, I missed my window. When I admire someone, their unresolved baggage becomes the fore front. There is some wacky EX that comes into play, their still floundering in life, or unable to hold a job for more than a year at a time. Sure hope I find a partner that proves me wrong. Someone that is willing to challenge me mentally. A partner that hasn't been passed around this town and possibly physically will to put in the effort to seek the best possible outcome. Real Romance 

SNOW:

Redemption time and that felt wonderful AND gave me the sense of freedom from my earlier emotional conviction. After the Valley received about two of the first three inches of snow, I shoveled out all of the neighbors. Yes, even those Trump Loving Neighbors. So Satisfying!! In reality, it only mattered to me. I am referring to THIS HERE post of mine under the paragraph entry titled stressed. Was not at all being the better person, nor seeking the best possible outcome back then. Very selfish choice that day but that's all in the history books now. Hell Yes 

And the snow just arrived in time for a Full Moon snowshoe trek over the crystalized snow covered lakes. The Blue Z, The Dude, Little BLK Dog, & I headed for the Grand Mesa and ended up scampering along the well established West Bench Trail. Was it cold?? Like Phuc'n Cold!! 11F / -11c when we started out but it was the bone chilling breeze that worked its magic across our faces. Once we were in the trees, our body produced enough BTU's for optimal tromping around, it wasn't so bad. But any open space exposure became brutally challenging. However, back at the car awaited a thermos full of Hot Water, packages of organic rich Roelle dark cocoa powder, and Kraken Rum as our reward for braving through the "refreshing" elements handed down by Mother Nature. Oh Baby 

METEORS:

The Blue Z came out to set up his kick A$$ telescope for the conjunction and wow were there a ton of meteors streaking by in the night sky. The conjunction was fascinating to observe over the two weeks leading up to big display of a christmas star but the night of was righteous on all accounts. We see constellations move across the night sky but as two plants come together and leap frog each other is something to be seen, studied and appreciated. Oh, and the satellites were in abundance as well.  

ASTRONOMY:

January has so much to offer during the night time hours. Its all free and happening whether or not I am in tune. First, check out Mars these days. Its so red in comparison to normal stars that fill the sky above. Early this month, Sirius is hanging out there and M41 is right there as well. Almost visible with the naked eye. By the 8th of January, Mercury makes its appearance. But the big news from now until mid week is the Quadrantid Meteor Shower happens. Like Way Cool!! Oh, and the full moon this month is on the 28th. I will find myself above 9,000ft / 2743meters that evening. So get yourself outside and just enjoy. 

CYCLING:

My bike bestowed on me freedom. Its such a simple companion. My bike doesn't require fueling, it doesn't require a paid registration, my bike is mine which is paid for from my hard earned dollars, its resilient no matter the elements of the day, and its the most reliable tool for traversing across this beautiful planet. I sure do love my bike and I love Mother Earth even more. 

I have never strapped on a wing suit and jumped from a cliff in order to experience the flight of freedom. But my bike, its my means of freedom. Its my freedom from daily distractions, breaking away from the bills that need to be paid, or the freedom to just be and see what I see. I'm not sure if my increasing watts are aiding my needs for adrenaline. Am I using speed as a weapon or could this be my own survival tool. Deep Thoughts by Jack Handy 

2020 NUMBERS:

Hours - 423

Activities - 277

PR's - 92

Elevation - 108,788ft / 33,158.58meters / 20.61mi

Miles on the Bike - 4,884.4 / 7,860.67km

Hiking - 48.1mi / 77.41km

River Miles - 28.3mi / 45.54km

Snowshoeing - 17.3mi / 27.84km

Swimming & Lifting - Unknown Numbers

Now for the excuses!!! 1) Sun was in my eyes 2) I vacationed in Sunny San Diego in February and ( HERE ) is that post 3) Only rode the 98mi / 157.71km to honor The Boy Dogs would be Birthday Month August 1st. Then the Wild Fires coated the Valley Floor with ash. That post is ( HERE ) if you wanna check out some photos 4) Simply just gave up mid December. I was at 317mi / 510km on the 12th of December and then basically threw in the towel. And totally OK with that decision. However, this was the first time in three years that I failed to meet the insurmountable 10,000km Club's "required" Numbers. BOOOO0000000ooooo Me

And HERE is my Holiday Lights video that was shot on an iPhone under freeze A$$ temperatures. So go easy on the comments because my sissy fingers were frozen. Turn It Up , Click Full Screen HD, and yes there really is ONE HOUSE with 2 acres of blue LED Lights. 

GOALS:

1. Write Daily Intentions In My New Diary 
2. Lift For Reps, Not Power, But With Enthusiasm 
3. Hike, Walk, Run 2021 Miles / 3,252 Kilometers This Calendar Year 
4. Check In With Friends - Be More Mindful - Smile w/my Eyes 
5. Crossing Paths With That Special Someone With An Incandescent Personality  

Again, I Thank You All For Checking In Throughout 2020!! All The Best During 20BLK Jack,

Cheers

Keeping Busy With Projects

Dig If You Will The Picture   Of You And I Engaged In A Kiss   The Sweat Of Your Body Covers Me    Can You My Darling    Can You Picture This   Damn  If You Can  A Courtyard   In Ocean Of Violets In Bloom    Animals Strike Curious Poses   They Feel The Heat    The Heat Between You And Me    How Can You Leave Me Standing     Alone In A World So Cold    Maybe I'm Just Too Demanding    Maybe I'm Just Like My Father , Too Bold    Maybe I'm Just Like My Mother    She Was Never Satisfied   Why Do We Scream At Each Other    This Is What It Sounds Like   When The Doves Cry 

Prince 1984 

COLORADO:

We are arid as all get out but still so damn gorgeous. I am always so amazed with the amount of beauty everywhere when one seeks out the best possible outcome. Sure, we have our rough days but then Mother Nature provides one with a natural soothing sound track at the right time. For the right occasion. During the moment in need. Phuc Yeah Colorado  

And then, what blows my mind, so many transplants never take the opportunity to explore the Great Junction of Grand Junction Colorado. Most have no clue as to how Grand Junction became Grand Junction. Never showing any investment of standing at the Great Grand Junction itself. Just met a fellow human that moved here THREE years ago and has NEVER been to the Grand Mesa, let alone the Great Grand Junction. So badly I wanted to ask," Then Way The Phuc Did You Move Here??" And how dare they project their assessment of "whats wrong" with this town. You have no right because you haven't earned that privilege. Now Piss Off 

DOGS:

A happy untrained and totally lacking exercised dog began digging holes throughout their backyard. And right off the patio, for an easy ankle roller, they did their best digging. The photo above is of their lengthy sleeping pad, so well dug out for basking in the morning sunshine. "Give It A Try!!" says the dog "Sniff Away Under The Warmth Of Mr Suns Mighty Rays!"

I explained that I have a couple of slaps of concrete from a landscaping job that might help. Here is what I purpose and a few days later, once the ground was frozen of course, they said yes. So a digging I began. This here my friends is what $20 an hour gets ya. 

The first slap of sidewalk was 3 1/2 inches thick. Yes, I measured out the area, marked with my shovel, and dug out an extra inch in all directions. Driving the pick axe through frozen clay is soooooo much fun. Thankfully, pure luck really, I didn't pierce their irrigation pipes. Later on, found out that its the old sprinkler lines. Yah0000ooooooo

And how ya like that??? First slab down with a few left over marble chunks from this past summers collection as an accent. Fingers crossed that they appreciate the efforts of the littler things in life. The next slab was a triangular bastard that weighed more than I remembered. 30 inches by 37 inches by 26 inches and 5 1/2 inches thick. Oh Joy says the low back. 

Kind of funny as there were a few times that I really got myself all screwed up in the head. But manual labor removed all those old engrams and onward we go. 

Another project that I came across was this old gate. Very weathered but plenty of integrity left. After a little TLC, the gate was ready to swing open once again. 

I screwed in two new hinges for maximum swinging action. I passed on going over board by chiseling out the post so that the hing would sink in just below the surface. Mainly, the two older 4x4 posted appeared rough and a little chisel work might not be the best at this point. Ideally, would prefer to replace both post this Spring/Summer and counter sink the hinges properly. If They Want 

Oh, and the PVC disaster. What a job that turned out to be. The connectors between two fittings began to drip and the valve there turned out to be problematic for sure.

I was lobbing that we replace the entire system because you know how those projects go. As soon as you touch one elbow, start chasing your tail, another trip over to True Value Hardware Store. Its just part of the deal but I was over ruled. "Let's Just Replace The Valve. Wont Take But A Minute." I was told. Sure

Replaced the old valve, primer before glue, and all seemed just fine. I felt a weeeeeeeee bit nervous as the whole thing became rushed. Not my preferred SOP but again, not my call. 

As soon as the jet pump switched was flipped, a tiny little bubble of water presented itself. I was told that I shouldn't worry and the fitting will be just fine. "Takes A Second For It To Settle In Its New Place." but within seconds, I could see we were in trouble. I yelled repeatedly ," Flip The Switch!! Flip The Switch!!" Imagine the Disney character Goofy processing this command. The sound wave vibration entering the ear hole, along the brain stem, up to the brain, slowly engages, and before the hand lifts to flip the switch, POW!! The glue never stood a chance. In a matter of mere seconds, looking away with my hands straight out towards the general direction of separation, we were coated by gallons of hot tub water before the switch was finally flipped to the OFF position.  

                               

Best line of the day fell from my lips,"Wish We Filmed That Because That Was A $10,000 Americas Funniest Video Winner." Unfortunately, it wasn't a well received comment. Someone was pissed, soaking wet, and would never admit to their embarrassment. Me, oh well, its just water after all. And back to measuring, marking, cutting, and gluing new PVC pipes I went. Solo I Was 

And then, there comes a time for painting, pouring, and creating with acrylic pants. I started these last weekend after finishing all the planter boxes and Christmas Tree cut outs from old discarded wooden pallets. A couple of folks I neglected. They will now receive my latest creations. Truly made with love.

This was my first crack at using a blow dryer to spread out the liquified paint. Everything always appears to be so simple until you take your own stab at it.

The paint didn't exactly ripple out like I had envisioned but just the same, looks pretty damn cool. And I happily went back in and touched up lines, giving the pieces a little more depth, and just felt groovy adding more flare to them. BoB Ross Would Be Proud  

With the left over acrylic paints in their cups, I poured this little gem. And I really liked how it turned out. You know, considering that its the placenta of the art projects. 

My first thought was that its good enough for a Duran Duran Album cover. Then, with the great conjunction happing, very space like atmosphere. The Holiday Spirits Helped With That Vision 

Will post some photos from the next day additions. These pieces actually were still rather wet the next morning. I really anticipated that the hair dryer would have helped draw out a majority of the moisture. But Not To Be

Anyway, it is time to light up the bike with festive decorations, fill the flask with a warm tasty beverage, and ride towards Christmas Lights Extravaganza action. The normal ritual would have been to roll over to Dyer and Janet's for fresh homemade Pozole Verda. Every year, Janet is a retired midwife, families would stop by, socialize, catch up after a years worth of events, and move on. Then, after years/decades of this, those same kids were grown up and walking in with their families. True cycle of life in the mix. Such a wonderful revolving door of entertainment. But Not This Year

 

However, I want to express my Hearty Holiday Wishes To Each And Every One Of You!! I thank you so much for following along, for taking the time to comment with your insights and delightful perspectives, and for sharing your own adventures and glamorously creative photos. May you have a delicious Christmas Day or Hanukkah or Ramada or Chinese New Year. However you celebrate, full throttle ahead my friends. Close out 2020 while asking yourself," What Else Is Possible?"   Love & Light 

( HERE ) is a quick one minute video from my day on the bike December 12th 2020. This one is for all of you bird lovers out there. The first clip, when I have mentioned "1,000's" of birds over me, I present to you my evidence. The trees are full of birds and the sky became alive as they took flight. Hydrate Often, Stay Safe, And Think Of Others First

Cheers 

2020/12/12 And What A Flipping Week It Was

I wonder how you're feeling? There's ringing in my ears and no one to relate to except the sea. Who can you believe in? I'm kneeling on the floor. There has to be a force. Who do I phone? The stars are out and shining but all I really want to know

Peter Frampton  june 1975 

ORTHO:

Killer session the other night. A person that I haven't spoke with in years referred me to their friend. A text BING comes in from a person that I haven't met, then goes on to explain who referred them to me, an appointment was set up. 

They were suffering from a hip an knee issue and that was the last place that I started. We started with their head/neck and then went on to move around a few ribs. The session rounded off with a simple ankle piece, full range of motion knee release, and then a number of reflexology points in their feet and hands. Total Score 

STIR CRAZY:

Its suddenly dawned on me that I havent seriously traveled since February 2020 and its taking its toll on my mental status. I know that I am not alone as I type this but damn it my skin is tight. I am cagey as Phuc and aching to escape. Not Run From. Simple travel on and become visually stimulated again. Foreshadowing , its a literary term. 

Maybe a need a night filled with Reservoir Dogs with a double bill of Snatch. Maybe I need a night of Fight Club followed by Fatal Attraction. Maybe I need Pink Floyd rumbling the floor boards with The Wizard Of Oz on Mute. Maybe I need a night morphing into a cuddle puddle where nobody needs to speak. Phuc You Alex. Maybe I need Since I've Been Loving You at a high level of volume output. Thank You Led Zeppelin. I do know I need water and hydration is a good thing. 

The S Stands For Snow Day. But 198mi / 318km over a Monday through Friday work weeks kicks A$$. The past three weeks I have consistently topped 200 miles per week but Mother Nature might not allow that this week. No Biggie, Dig Watching Flakes 

CYCLING:

I was deep in rhythm with my quads on fire . I glanced up every so often but more focused on the pain cave that freed my mind from the bed being to big without you. Another quick glance up and the largest buck with a full rack stood motionless to my left. His head was down while he ate scraps of grass and quickly he was as freaked as I. All I could muster from my dearest dry lips was ' PLEASE DON'T RUN ONTO THE FREEWAY'  as my weakened mind could live with the reoccurring imagine of an 18 wheeler blowing you apart. 

The photo above is from my personal record. I am confident that I am adding speed, strength, and raw power but hadn't put myself out there for a proper test. This was the day that I rode out to Loma in under 1 hour and 25 minutes. But here is the kicker, wasn't full gas at all. Under perfect conditions, minus human track, not stopping for cars, and focusing on my position, output, and gear selections, I could possible ride to Loma in under an hour. Could I Possibly Hold 22mph For The 21 Miles???? 

LIVE MUSIC:

As we are closing in on the New Year, I just can't wrap my head around the fact that there will be NO live music this New Years. No Friends, No Story Telling, No Schinanages. Some of you might be fine with spending New Years alone in your own house hold but not me. I am social and I love my friends. I wanna dance with somebody. I need the pregame festivities. I want the after show antics. I wanna have fun.  

PROJECT:

I scored a righteous house sitting gig for next week where all I have to do is check the mail and water the plants. Like LOADS of plants. They have a solarium packed full of starter plants, common house plants, and other various beauties. 

And here is an attempt at a gluten free and vegan based pie. So funny as I proudly sent this photos to some friends and it was about 60-40 in favor of disappointment of adding pineapple. Thankfully they knew nothing of how I acquired the fresh pineapple. I score two of them during my church food pick up donations from Sprouts. The bottoms were sort of rotten but the mid and tops smelled so good. And by the looks of those toppings, nobody knew my spoiled little secret. Oh Baby 

I landed the gig while I was rebuilding a ramp for an older gent that uses a walker now. Their neighbor invited me to house sit their place until the end of the year. SCORE. The original ramp was installed by their son and what a Sh*T Show. Not only was the ramp unstable but way to steep for the old walker to go up and down safely. 

When I explained my idea and proposed they head to Home Depot with me. They were beyond invested and happily forked over the cash. We purchased 6 concrete footers, 6 2x8's, 10 2x4's, 2 4x4's, all the bolts and washers, and 3 tubes of heavy duty liquid nails. And away I went, happy as can be, I have something to do. Was a simple two day project and came out tits.   

The final touch to their ramp, I lined the top inside of the cut 2x6's / bottom of the 2x4's were they attach to the 2x6's with AAA solar powered rope lights. The entire under side of the ramp glows!! And they are elderly so they won't be using the ramp at night. Its totally for me and for setting the ambiance. HA

Also, we received a very light dusting of snow but nothing to shovel. i.e. No $$$ in my warm little pocket. And the snow offered me a rest day from the bike. So Thats Cool 

I have recently noticed or have become aware of the phase " 2020 Go Away " or " This Year Sucked " or "Will This Year Ever End" or similarly lower vibrational quality of words. So I have been making it my mission to add a little spice to others days. The little things to make a difference. Simply trying to make the world a better place without coming off as cynical or arrogant. And you know what?? Its rather difficult to sound sincere or deliver a positive message these days. I am striving to be genuine and I only hope that its well received in that matter or form. Hope 

GOALS:

1. Understand And Processing Of This Blogging Updated Site
2. Develop Creative Short Films
3. Work While Wearing A Smile
4. Play Well With Others
5. Not Allow This Blog Site To Upset Me  

And I Leave You ( HERE ) With My Latest Video. Its Two Minutes Long And Feature Time Lapse Shots While Working In Marble Colorado 

,

Cheers 

P.S. Here is a photo of from today when I opened this post to add the snow photos and update. Why does this new blogging site mess with my mind so frequently?? Why does the text change colors on me?? Then, after adding white to the text, all the words are in a white block text mode. What The Flock Of Seagulls I Tell Ya